Category: The New Picnic Island

Exclusive Waubs Harbour Whisky on Picnic Island

The Spirit of Place

Last month, we unveiled our new whisky cask partnership with Waubs Harbour Distillery, in alignment with our mission to showcase exceptional Tasmanian artisan producers.

Bottles from the private cask will be available exclusively to Picnic Island guests, embodying a modern luxury philosophy of connecting travelers to place through hyper-local food and beverage experiences.

A Whisky Collaboration

The partnership represents a unique collaboration between two projects that share a commitment to terroir-driven luxury and sustainable practices. Waubs Harbour Distillery, located on Tasmania’s East Coast, creates single malt whiskies distinguished by their maritime influence—barrels aging just meters from the Southern Ocean absorb the salt-laden air that gives these spirits their distinctive character.

“This partnership is the perfect example of our approach to food and beverage at Picnic Island. There is no luxury playbook. We’re creating genuine connections between our guests and Tasmania’s most passionate makers—people whose craft reflects this place in ways that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.”

— Mark Israel, co-owner of Picnic Island Tasmania

Bottles of Picnic Island’s private label whisky will be available exclusively to guests, a taste unique to the island. The cask will remain at Waubs Harbour, with Picnic Island guests invited to follow its development through tastings and distillery visits included in their experience.

Our Modern Luxury approach to Food and Beverage

“For us, modern luxury isn’t about the most expensive label or the longest wine list. It’s about how we can cultivate an authentic connection to place, about understanding the story behind what you’re tasting, and about experiences that transform a simple drink into a memorable moment. This partnership with Waubs Harbour Distillery allows us to offer exactly that.”

— Elisa Yu, Picnic Island co-owner

In a comprehensive approach to food and beverage, every ingredient used on Picnic Island is carefully selected, every meal thoughtfully designed, and every experience curated to connect guests to Tasmania’s exceptional produce and makers—through all the senses.

As an all-inclusive retreat, the island features a private chef who sources ingredients almost entirely from Tasmanian producers, even from within sight of the dining table when possible. Fresh seafood comes from surrounding waters, oysters from nearby Great Oyster Bay, vegetables from local organic farms, and wines from Tasmania’s renowned cool-climate vineyards.

The Story of Place: From Waubs Harbour Whisky to Personalised Tastings

Picnic Island’s approach centers on curation and storytelling. Each meal is an opportunity to experience Tasmania’s terroir through ingredients prepared with minimal intervention, allowing the flavors and quality to speak for themselves. Our private chef works closely with guests before arrival to understand preferences and dietary requirements, then crafts bespoke menus that balance sophistication with an authentic taste of place.

Of course, beverage experiences extend beyond the dining table. Guests can participate in exclusive distillery tours, visit local winemakers in their vineyards, or harvest oysters directly from growing lines.

Actively engaging with the people, flavors, and produce of the region, guests build connections with Tasmanian makers.

The Waubs Harbour partnership also reinforces Picnic Island’s commitment to supporting Tasmania’s artisan economy and sustainable production practices. Both properties operate with minimal environmental impact—Picnic Island off-grid, Waubs Harbour with careful attention to coastal ecosystem preservation—demonstrating that environmental stewardship can enhance luxury.

“In a world of global supply chains, we’re taking a different path. Every bottle of wine, every wedge of cheese, every dram of whisky at Picnic Island has a story connected to this place. When guests taste our exclusive Waubs Harbour cask, they’re not just enjoying exceptional whisky—they’re tasting the salt air of Tasmania’s east coast, the passion of dedicated distillers, and the unique terroir that makes this island state unlike anywhere else on earth.”

The private cask represents the first of what Picnic Island envisions as an ongoing series of unique collaborations with Tasmania’s finest producers, each designed to offer guests experiences and flavors available nowhere else.

For more information about Picnic Island Tasmania and to inquire about bookings, visit www.picnicisland.com.au.

About Picnic Island Tasmania:

Picnic Island is a private island retreat located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. The island accommodates up to eight guests across four luxuriously appointed spaces. As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including a resident little penguin colony, while providing sophisticated luxury, exceptional food and beverage experiences, and personalized service in one of Australia’s most pristine natural settings.

About Waubs Harbour Distillery

Waubs Harbour Distillery, located on Tasmania’s east coast, produces award-winning single malt whiskies distinguished by coastal maturation in bond stores just meters from the Southern Ocean. The distillery combines traditional Scottish techniques with Tasmanian terroir to create spirits of exceptional character and complexity.

December 12, 2025
Modern Luxury at Picnic Island, Tasmania

The Art of Island Hospitality

When guests step onto Picnic Island’s new jetty, they enter a world that transcends traditional luxury service rules—in all the right ways. Here, 800 meters offshore from the nearest road, exceptional hospitality doesn’t mean anticipating which champagne you prefer (although we’ll certainly have a bottle of local bubbly waiting for you).

It means reading the weather, understanding the tide, and recognizing the exact moment when you’re ready to stop planning and start being.

And that’s what the new Picnic Island experience is all about.

Remote modern luxury demands a fundamentally different approach to service.

Without the infrastructure of a traditional resort—no spa desk to call, no concierge bell to ring, no room service menu to browse—hospitality becomes more intuitive, more personal, and paradoxically, more luxurious. Our team’s expertise lies not in executing a standardized service protocol, but in genuine attentiveness to each guest’s specific needs.

To us, modern luxury means practicing hospitality as genuine care—a philosophy, practice, and value system that guides every interaction with our guests.

Modern Luxury is Curated

In many luxury resorts, great service often means a swift reaction to requests. On Picnic Island, it means (as much as possible) anticipating those needs before the request is even made.

Your island host notices you lingering over morning coffee and quietly adjusts the day’s departure time. The chef observes your enthusiasm for a particular local wine and packs a bottle for tomorrow’s picnic lunch on a wild beach. Your skipper spots dolphins on the horizon and adjusts the boat’s course, allowing the moment to unfold organically.

This anticipatory approach requires deep knowledge—not just of luxury service standards, but of this specific place and its rhythms.

When does the light hit Wineglass Bay most dramatically?

Which penguin burrows are most active this week?

Which experience will bring you the deep relaxation you’re seeking?

You won’t find these details in any service manual. They’re earned through presence, attention, and genuine connection to our island’s unique character.

The Luxury of Genuine Care

Today’s sophisticated travelers distinguish immediately between scripted and authentic attention. At Picnic Island, our small team makes it a priority to get to know you and understand why you’ve chosen our special corner of the world, and what you hope to find here.

We remember that you prefer your coffee black, yes, but more importantly, we notice when you seem ready for conversation versus comfortable in silence. We recognize when an unusual experience requires explanation—and when it is best to let the magic speak for itself.

This genuine care extends to honest communication about what remote island life actually means. When weather affects plans, we don’t offer hollow apologies or scramble to manufacture an equivalent experience. Instead, we embrace the island’s teaching:

Some of the most profound moments emerge precisely when nature refuses to accommodate our schedules.

Perhaps the storm that keeps us island-bound creates the evening of unhurried conversation you didn’t know you needed.

The Greatest Luxury of All: Space & Time

The most radical aspect of our philosophy of modern luxury is understanding that sometimes the greatest service is absence. Complete privacy on your own island means our team remains available yet unobtrusive—present when needed, invisible when not. This means trusting that guests will ask for what they need while creating an environment where asking feels effortless.

Picnic Island co-owner Mark Israel describes this approach simply:

“The most luxurious thing we can offer isn’t thread count, though we’ll give you that too, but the space to unplug, sit back, and enjoy life in one of the most extraordinary wild places there is.”

In this space between attention and absence, between anticipation and allowing, true modern luxury flourishes as genuine care, authentically experienced.

About Picnic Island Tasmania

Picnic Island is a private island retreat located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. The island accommodates up to eight guests in three luxuriously appointed bedrooms and a primary suite. As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including resident Little Penguin and Shearwater colonies and occasional visits from whales, dolphins and seals, all while providing sophisticated luxury and exceptional service.

Reach out to [email protected] to enquire about your travel dates and create your dream visit with our concierge team.

Photo Credit: Aaron Jones

November 12, 2025
An Extraordinary Vessel for an Extraordinary Retreat

Unveiling Picnic Island’s Custom Luxury Vessel

We are thrilled to unveil the newest addition to our Picnic Island team: a bespoke luxury vessel designed specifically for our guests.

The custom-built boat will serve as the primary transport between the mainland and the island, as well as a gateway to exclusive marine experiences. From intimate wildlife encounters in surrounding waters to private excursions to nearby attractions, the vessel elevates every moment on the water while ensuring guests’ comfort and safety.

Developed in partnership with Tasmania-based VanDiemen Luxury Craft, the vessel represents our commitment to excellence in every element of our operations and guest experience. The 7.5-meter convertible superyacht accommodates up to ten passengers, along with two crew members.

“The journey to Picnic Island has always been part of the experience, but now it becomes a memorable moment itself,” said Mark Israel, new co-owner of Picnic Island.

“This vessel embodies our philosophy of quiet luxury—sophisticated engineering and thoughtful design that speaks quietly, but leaves a lasting impression.”

Thanks to its innovative convertible design, the vessel can adapt to Tasmania’s changeable weather conditions. In its enclosed limousine configuration, guests enjoy panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows while remaining protected from wind and spray. The sports configuration provides an open-air experience perfect for wildlife viewing and photography.

“We wanted our guests’ first impression of Picnic Island to reflect the same values they’ll encounter throughout their stay—authentic luxury, nature connection, and genuine care for their comfort,” said co-owner Elisa Yu.

“From the moment guests step aboard, this vessel delivers exclusive access to Tasmania’s marine environment in every excursion.”

The custom specifications address our unique requirements on Picnic Island. The shallow 500mm draft allows access to the island’s jetty in various tide conditions, while the electric bow thruster provides precise maneuvering in the confined spaces around the island. Twin Volvo Penta D4-260 engines deliver reliable performance while maintaining fuel efficiency.

Safety features include active trim tabs for enhanced stability in rough seas, comprehensive navigation equipment, and emergency protocols specifically developed for the remote island location. The vessel’s design prioritizes passenger comfort with cushioned seating, climate protection, and easy boarding access for guests of varying mobility levels.

Local construction of the vessel by VanDiemen Luxury Craft reinforces Picnic Island’s commitment to supporting Tasmanian businesses and showcasing their advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The vessel will enter service alongside the island’s reopening in January 2026, providing guests with transportation and excursions that match the sophistication and attention to detail they’ll experience throughout their island stay.

About Picnic Island Tasmania

Picnic Island is a private island retreat located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. The island accommodates up to eight guests in three luxuriously appointed bedrooms and a primary suite. As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including resident Little Penguin and Shearwater colonies and occasional visits from whales, dolphins and seals, all while providing sophisticated luxury and exceptional service.

Reach out to [email protected] to enquire about your travel dates and create your dream visit with our concierge team.

Photo Credit: Aaron Jones

October 21, 2025
Island Life: The Unofficial Rules When You Step Ashore

Find Your Rhythm on Picnic Island

When you brave the rolling tides to step onto Picnic Island’s jetty, something shifts. The constant hum of modern life begins to fade, replaced by the rhythmic conversation between wind and water. This isn’t (only) a luxury escape; island life is an invitation to recalibrate, to remember what it feels like when nature, not your calendar, rules the day.

Island life operates by different rules. Understanding these unofficial principles underlying the Picnic Island experience can transform the unfamiliar into something profoundly restorative.

Island Life is Slow: The Luxury of Unhurried Time

Subtly, like the changing of seasons, life moves more slowly once you step onto Picnic Island. You may notice a strong urge to power down your devices, sit quietly with a cup of coffee or glass of wine, and cancel all your carefully laid plans.

This isn’t laziness; it’s your nervous system recognizing an opportunity, responding to an environment where nothing demands your immediate attention except the wind whipping up outside your window or the play of light across Freycinet’s granite peaks.

We’ve designed our island experience around this slower rhythm. Breakfast happens when you’re ready. Activities, while scheduled by your dedicated concierge team, are flexible. The day will unfold according to tides and weather. Evening arrives not with dinner reservations but with the natural spectacle of dozens of birds returning home to roost.

This is quiet luxury in its truest form—the radical gift of time moving at a human pace.

We encourage our guests to embrace the slowness. That restlessness you might feel initially? It’s simply your modern mind adjusting to an older rhythm. By your second day, you’ll understand why we don’t offer minute-by-minute itineraries. The island teaches better planning than we ever could.

Island Life is Surprising: When Nature Makes the Schedule

Tasmania’s East Coast is renowned for mild weather, yet the climate remains beautifully unpredictable. The elements are in charge here, and we recommend arriving prepared for cold, wind, rain, and sun—sometimes all in a single afternoon. This isn’t a flaw in the island experience; it’s a fundamental element of its character.

Some activities may need rescheduling. Boat transfers occasionally shift with sea conditions. That helicopter tour might become tomorrow’s adventure instead of today’s. Rather than tightening our grip on the itinerary as it is written, we like to take these surprises as an invitation to sink deeper into an authentic experience of island life.

Often, the weather that prevents one experience creates opportunities for another. A storm that cancels your Wineglass Bay excursion might deliver the most dramatic sunset you’ve ever witnessed, or transform dinner into an intimate fireside experience you’ll remember for years.

This unpredictability is precisely what makes island life feel real and unique. You’re not in a controlled environment designed to eliminate variables. You’re in a place where weather, wildlife, and tides still matter—where human plans bend to natural realities rather than the reverse.

Island Life is Sustainable: A Partnership in Conservation

We work with nature and the elements to source necessary power through solar arrays, water through rain catchment, and ingredients from Tasmanian producers whenever possible. These represent deliberate choices about how we operate and, by extension, how you experience the island.

As our guest, you become a partner in these sustainability efforts. Using biodegradable products protects the marine ecosystem to which your graywater returns. Conserving fresh water during your shower honors the rain that fills our tanks. Following wildlife interaction protocols ensures the little penguin and shearwater colonies thrive for future generations.

These small, mindful acts make your stay not just memorable, but meaningful.

Welcome to Island Life

On Picnic Island, you’ll have the opportunity to disconnect from your day-to-day routines and reconnect with something extraordinary. We believe true luxury isn’t about escaping nature—it’s about finding our place within it. Picnic Island operates almost entirely off the grid, in harmony with the elements, wildlife, and rhythms that dictate our pace of life.

Island life isn’t for everyone. But if you’ve found your way here, it’s probably exactly what you need.

About Picnic Island Tasmania

Picnic Island is a private island retreat located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. The island accommodates up to eight guests in three luxuriously appointed bedrooms and a primary suite. As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including resident Little Penguin and Shearwater colonies and occasional visits from whales, dolphins and seals, all while providing sophisticated luxury and exceptional service.

Reach out to [email protected] to enquire about your travel dates and create your dream visit with our concierge team.

Photo Credit: Eric Woehler

October 7, 2025
Conservation Partners: How Guests Protect Picnic Island Wildlife
More than a guest, you’re a guardian.

When you book your stay at Picnic Island, you become more than a guest. Along with our team, staff, and partners, you become a temporary guardian of one of Tasmania’s seabird sanctuaries.

For generations, Little Penguins and Short-tailed Shearwaters have called this island home, and your thoughtful participation in our conservation protocols ensures that their ancient rhythms continue undisturbed.

Our Shared Commitment to Conservation

Picnic Island’s new construction and renovations are currently underway and following a comprehensive Penguin Management Plan developed in partnership with leading seabird ecologist Eric Woehler. This isn’t bureaucratic paperwork; it’s an example of how we seek to balance human comfort with wildlife protection in all of our operations.

During your stay, your cooperation with our wildlife protocols and conservation guidelines has the potential to enrich your experience, demonstrating that environmental stewardship can enhance rather than compromise exceptional hospitality.

The island’s Little Penguin colony has nested here for longer than we know, returning each evening from their ocean hunts to burrows scattered throughout the island. During breeding season, these small but determined birds are particularly vulnerable to disruption. Your understanding of their needs allows us to offer intimate and utterly unique wildlife encounters while ensuring that the seabird colonies can thrive for generations to come.

Photo Credit: Eric Woehler

Simple Actions, Profound Impact

Our seabird protocols are surprisingly straightforward. After dusk, we ask guests to use only red-filtered lighting and remain on designated pathways. White lights can disorient the seabirds, potentially blocking them from returning to their burrows and chicks. Your compliance with our lighting restrictions literally guides these remarkable creatures safely home each night.

We provide specialized observation equipment and position viewing areas to minimize disturbance while maximizing your experience. Maintaining appropriate distance allows you to witness natural behaviors without triggering stress responses. The reward for this respect is extraordinary: you will likely observe the birds going about their evening routines completely naturally, getting a glimpse into behaviors most people never witness.

The Ripple Effect

Your commitment to following our Seabird Management Plan creates benefits far beyond Picnic Island’s shores. You become an ambassador for responsible wildlife tourism, carrying stories and understanding that influence others’ travel choices. More importantly, you can help us transform luxury travel norms, demonstrating the extraordinary experiences that become possible when luxury and conservation work in partnership—a model we urgently need to popularize as tourism pressure increases on sensitive environments worldwide.

When you experience penguins returning to their burrows under a star-filled sky, knowing your presence supports rather than threatens their survival, you understand something essential about modern luxury: the most profound experiences come from respectful connection rather than domination. This is conservation through collaboration—and it’s only possible because guests like you choose to be partners in protection rather than mere observers of nature.

Penguin Protocol

Picnic Island is the only place in the world where you can sleep within a seabird rookery. We need to work together to protect their environment and keep them coming back for generations to come.

Coming to Picnic Island soon? Here are a few guidelines to care for the native bird life and avoid scaring off our neighbors:
- Never walk anywhere there is soil, as burrows are often invisible to the untrained eye and will be crushed if walked on. Stick to the paths and the rocky shoreline.
- Don’t wait on the shoreline for the penguins to come in as they will stay out at sea until you leave. Best wait until it is dark and sit quietly on the path without torches on.
- When you spot a bird use only the red light torches provided to get a better look. Don’t chase any birds, crowd around or shine the torches on them directly.
- No flash photography.
- Never stick your hand in any burrow or touch any birds (they
  will bite!) or eggs.
- Please supervise minors and ensure that they follow these rules.
- Note that penguins can be noisy at night. This is all part of the experience of getting in touch with nature… and earplugs will be provided for light sleepers!
About Picnic Island Tasmania

Picnic Island is a private island retreat located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. The island accommodates up to eight guests in three luxuriously appointed bedrooms and an additional master suite. As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including resident Little Penguin and Shearwater colonies and occasional visits from whales, dolphins and seals, all while providing sophisticated luxury and exceptional service.

Reach out to [email protected] to enquire about your travel dates and create your dream visit with our concierge team.

Photo Credit: Eric Woehler
September 26, 2025
New Host Suite Coming Soon to Picnic Island

New host suite on Picnic Island represents a significant investment in Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world-class luxury destination.

Plans for a new host suite on Picnic Island have been approved, marking another milestone in the development of our exclusive private island retreat. Construction will begin shortly, with completion expected in late 2025, ahead of the January 2026 opening. The host suite will expand the island’s capacity to eight guests, assuring an intimate, private travel experience.

The new build represents a thoughtful evolution of the island’s architectural vision, designed to complement the existing copper-clad lodge while providing additional flexibility for larger groups and extended families.

The host suite structure will utilize passive environmental design to minimize impact on the protected seabird sanctuary and surrounding landscape.

“This addition allows us to fully realize our vision of quiet luxury—sophisticated comfort that aligns with the island’s natural rhythms, elements, textures, and colors,” said Mark Israel, new co-owner of Picnic Island. “The new suite isn’t about adding rooms; it’s about creating more spaces where our guests can connect authentically with this extraordinary place while maintaining the intimate scale that makes Picnic Island so special.”

“The new host suite isn’t about adding rooms; it’s about creating more spaces where our guests can connect authentically with this extraordinary place while maintaining the intimate scale that makes Picnic Island so special.”

The host suite will feature floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of Freycinet National Park’s iconic Hazards Mountains, sustainably-sourced Tasmanian timber interiors, and design elements that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

Most importantly, it will enable the island to better accommodate multi-generational families and close friend groups, as well as provide an ideal space for honeymooners and other celebrants to enjoy their stay.

“We’re pioneering a new model of luxury travel, one that prioritizes connection, transformation, and slowness,” said co-owner Elisa Yu.

“Every design decision reflects our commitment to creating travel experiences that honor both our guests’ desire for exceptional comfort and our responsibility to protect this remarkable ecosystem.”

Views from the soon-to-be-built host suite on Picnic Island.

The expanded capacity will enhance Picnic Island’s ability to offer truly bespoke experiences, from intimate celebrations and wellness retreats to executive events and family gatherings. The island’s dedicated concierge team will continue to craft personalized journeys for every booking, with signature experiences such as private guided boat or hiking adventures, exclusive access to local producers, and specialized programs with visiting chefs, artists, and wellness practitioners.

As a protected wildlife sanctuary, Picnic Island offers guests the rare opportunity to witness the nightly return of Little Penguins to their burrows, observe seasonal whale migrations, and experience the untamed beauty of Tasmania’s east coast. The new suite’s design specifically considers these wildlife interactions, incorporating lighting and positioning that respect the island’s role as a nesting habitat.

The construction phase for the new host suite will utilize sustainable building practices and carefully follow a penguin management plan developed in collaboration with leading seabird ecologist Dr Eric Woehler.

Working with local artisans and experts at every stage—from architectural planning and furniture design, to organic amenities and unique art—reflects Picnic Island’s commitment to supporting the Tasmanian community while minimizing environmental impact. The suite will operate entirely off-grid, powered by the island’s expanded solar system and integrated water and waste management infrastructure.

The approval of the host suite underscores the community support for Picnic Island’s vision of responsible luxury tourism that benefits both visitors and the local region. The project represents a significant investment in Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world-class luxury destination.

With its expanded capacity and continued focus on experiential luxury, Picnic Island is positioned to become Australia’s premier example of how exceptional hospitality and environmental stewardship can create truly transformative travel experiences.

About Picnic Island Tasmania

Picnic Island is a private island retreat located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. The island accommodates up to six guests in three luxuriously appointed bedrooms, with an additional host suite soon to be added, increasing total capacity to eight guests. As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including a resident penguin colony and occasional visits from whales, dolphins and seals, all while providing sophisticated luxury and exceptional service.

Reach out to [email protected] to enquire about your travel dates and create your dream visit with our concierge team.

September 8, 2025
How to Pack for Your Trip to Picnic Island
Picnic Island will soon be reopening as an all-inclusive luxury private island experience off Tasmania’s stunning east coast. We expect to welcome our first guests in January 2026 following a comprehensive transformation.

Coming to Picnic Island Tasmania soon? Here is our guide on how to pack.

Your private island awaits. We look forward to welcoming to Picnic Island very soon. In the meantime, below is a suggested packing list to ensure your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your island host.

Footwear

The right shoes can make your entire visit more enjoyable. Think function over fashion, but we won’t stop you if you want to toss in a pair of dress shoes to impress the penguins, or to go out for dinner!
- Comfortable footwear that’s easy to slip on and off around the island.
- Non-slip sandals for beach landings, and exploring the island’s intertidal zone.
- Hiking boots or trail shoes if you plan on exploring the national park during your stay.
Clothing

Layering is key to staying comfortable in the ever-changing Tasmanian climate. Think t-shirts or base layers, wool or fleece jumper, and a windproof outer layer.
- Waterproof jacket: passing showers are included as part of your experience.
- Casual clothing that you are comfortable to move around in both on, and off-island.
- A beanie and/or scarf to stay cosy while meeting the resident Little Penguins of an evening.
  - On autumn and winter evenings, you may also appreciate having a pair of gloves.
- Smart-casual items if you feel like dressing up for dinner. (Tasmania is notoriously casual, and the penguins are not known to judge our guests’ clothing options, but if you want to go formal, go ahead!)
- Swimwear and a sarong or cover-up. (A dip in the crystal-blue waters of the Freycinet coast is unforgettable.)
  - Note: We also provide wetsuits for those who are not on the cold plunge bandwagon.
- Hat and sunglasses.
Personal Items
- Please bring a supply of any personal medications you require, with a couple of days extra in the event of any travel delays.
- Toiletries are provided in all bathrooms. (If you have any personal products you prefer, please ensure that they are biodegradable and free of microplastics, chemical dyes, and fragrances, as all grey water filters through our system and eventually returns to our pristine oceans.)
- Ocean-safe sunscreen and insect repellent. (Both will also be available for you on the island.)
Other Items

Optional, but lovely to have.
- Camera.
- A favourite book. (We also have a curated library of fiction and non-fiction Tasmanian titles waiting for you on the island.)
- A journal for quiet mornings or evenings.
- A yoga mat. (We also have mats available for you on the island.)
About Picnic Island Tasmania

Picnic Island is a private island retreat located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. The island accommodates up to six guests in three luxuriously appointed bedrooms, with an additional host suite soon to be added, increasing total capacity to eight guests. As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including a resident penguin colony and occasional visits from whales, dolphins and seals, all while providing sophisticated luxury and exceptional service.

Reach out to [email protected] to enquire about your travel dates and create your dream visit with our concierge team.
July 6, 2025
Welcome to the New Picnic Island

“Time and silence are the most luxurious things today.”

—Tom Ford

Picnic Island will soon be reopening as an all-inclusive luxury private island experience off Tasmania’s stunning east coast. We expect to welcome our first guests in January 2026 following a comprehensive transformation.

Discover True Luxury at the New Picnic Island

Completely immersed in nature just 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay near the world-renowned Freycinet National Park, Picnic Island offers a rare combination of complete privacy, bespoke luxury service, and refined accommodations. With an additional host suite soon to be added, increasing total capacity to eight guests, the island’s distinctive copper-clad lodge will undergo thoughtful renovations in the months ahead with sophisticated style, sustainable luxury, and personalized experiences as guiding principles.

New owners Mark Israel and Elisa Yu seek to create something truly exceptional, showcasing the wild beauty of Tasmania while providing the comfort, style, and service that discerning travelers expect. “We aim to deliver highly personalized, transformative experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere—high impact for guests, low impact for the environment,” said Israel. “Our vision is a luxury retreat where visitors can disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with something extraordinary.”

“Our vision is a luxury retreat where visitors can disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with something extraordinary.”

—Mark Israel, Picnic Island Tasmania

Picnic Island’s new owners are dedicated to curating unforgettable experiences and providing exceptional service for visitors, as well as an intimate connection to the natural world. From the moment of booking, guests engage with a dedicated concierge team that crafts a bespoke journey tailored to individual preferences.

Discover Unforgettable

The experience includes private boat transfers, a personal chef who will tell a story of place in each meal, and customized daily activities ranging from guided Freycinet walks to oyster farm visits, wine tastings, whiskey distillery tours, and marine adventures.

What’s more, guests have the unique opportunity to share the island with a colony of Little Penguins and other seabirds that return to their burrows each evening, creating an unforgettable natural encounter.

“This isn’t just luxury accommodation; it’s a fully immersive experience in one of Australia’s most pristine environments,” said Israel. “We’ve reimagined what service means in this extraordinary setting. Whether it’s a sommelier-led tasting of Tasmania’s finest wines, a private yoga session on the deck at sunrise, or a chef preparing your freshly foraged seafood, every moment is designed to create lasting memories.”

The all-inclusive, private luxury experience encompasses thoughtfully-designed cuisine showcasing Tasmania’s exceptional seasonal produce, premium Tasmanian wines and spirits, and daily bespoke experiences. A personal, human touch, combined with the unique proximity to Tasmania’s wildlife, promises an authentic journey into this remarkable region.

“Every moment is designed to create lasting memories.”

—Mark Israel, Picnic Island Tasmania

The official reopening of Picnic Island in January 2026 will mark a significant addition to Tasmania’s growing portfolio of world-class luxury accommodations. With its unique combination of wildness, luxury, and high-touch service, it establishes a new benchmark for experiential luxury in Australia.

Picnic Island is a must-experience destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable luxury retreat. With its thoughtful design, environmental commitment, and extraordinary setting, it promises to be a standout addition to the global luxury travel landscape.

About Picnic Island Tasmania

Picnic Island is a private island retreat located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. The island accommodates up to six guests in three luxuriously appointed bedrooms, with an additional host suite soon to be added, increasing total capacity to eight guests. As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including a resident penguin colony and occasional visits from whales, dolphins and seals, all while providing sophisticated luxury and exceptional service.

Reach out to [email protected] to enquire about your travel dates and create your dream visit with our concierge team.

June 30, 2025